Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 07, 2013, 01:12:39 AM
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 07, 2013, 01:12:39 AM
Hey guys, new to the forum so here's my car. Its a 1988 Thunderbird that was my first car that I bought from the original owner around 2002 I believe. It originally sat under a car port with a lovely green film over it, with 48,000 miles on the dial and a V6 under the hood. I cleaned it up and put wheels and exhaust on, and that's how it stayed until a year ago. Now, it currently has a small block ford, cowl hood, and a new paint job. BTW, I appreciate how many people on this site are passionate about the fox body birds and cougars, it's awesome to see.
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Kafer79 on October 07, 2013, 01:15:38 AM
Post by: Kafer79 on October 07, 2013, 01:15:38 AM
Beautiful car! Any pictures of the engine or interior?
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: teal9550 on October 07, 2013, 01:29:58 AM
Post by: teal9550 on October 07, 2013, 01:29:58 AM
nice car!
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Haystack on October 07, 2013, 01:29:58 AM
Post by: Haystack on October 07, 2013, 01:29:58 AM
x2. what engine/mods have you done?
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: mercury-man on October 07, 2013, 03:14:09 AM
Post by: mercury-man on October 07, 2013, 03:14:09 AM
Welcome aboard and looking good friend. :headbang:
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: beast50 on October 07, 2013, 05:58:09 AM
Post by: beast50 on October 07, 2013, 05:58:09 AM
:roxor: that is sweet! I love the color
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: ACCEPT on October 07, 2013, 07:54:37 AM
Post by: ACCEPT on October 07, 2013, 07:54:37 AM
Welcome to the jungle!!!
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: vinnietbird on October 07, 2013, 07:57:58 AM
Post by: vinnietbird on October 07, 2013, 07:57:58 AM
Nice looking Bird. Welcome to the forum. What all has been done to the car, as far as engine, trans, suspension, etc. Carb or EFI? Glad to have you aboard.
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: STANG8U on October 07, 2013, 03:49:36 PM
Post by: STANG8U on October 07, 2013, 03:49:36 PM
Wow she's clean welcome
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Thunderbird88 on October 07, 2013, 08:27:49 PM
Post by: Thunderbird88 on October 07, 2013, 08:27:49 PM
Looking really good!
What you should do now, is get a v8 for it!
If you want cheap HP and you know how to fabricate a bit etc, get a Mark Viii engine from the syard, rebuild it to carb (there is intakes out there for that) and drop it in! Easy 300hp ;)
EDIT: Oh saw now you put a SBF in it! What did you put in her? More pics!
Looking sooo good with the cowl hood! Can't wait until my 5" Cowl hood from VFN arrives for my bird :)
What you should do now, is get a v8 for it!
If you want cheap HP and you know how to fabricate a bit etc, get a Mark Viii engine from the syard, rebuild it to carb (there is intakes out there for that) and drop it in! Easy 300hp ;)
EDIT: Oh saw now you put a SBF in it! What did you put in her? More pics!
Looking sooo good with the cowl hood! Can't wait until my 5" Cowl hood from VFN arrives for my bird :)
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: turbotrav on October 07, 2013, 11:58:33 PM
Post by: turbotrav on October 07, 2013, 11:58:33 PM
Great looking bird.... The TC nose really works....
I would assume carb SBF....sense u didn't complain about about the wiring nightmare on the swap....still AOD?
Travis
I would assume carb SBF....sense u didn't complain about about the wiring nightmare on the swap....still AOD?
Travis
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 08, 2013, 12:22:05 AM
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 08, 2013, 12:22:05 AM
wow, thanks for the welcome. As for mods: the simple answer is yes to all. There simply is not an area of this car that has not been apart or worked on in some form or another. But I will try my best to give a good account of whats been done:
Out back is an 8.8 out of a fox mustang(shorter by ~1.5")
Moser replacement axles and c clip eliminators
strange 390 gears
CHE adjustable uppers and adjustable spring height lowers
AOD w/manual valve body, transbrake, and 3500 stall converter
Derale transcooler
AJE tubular K member
94-04 AJE a arms
Steeda bumpsteer kit
Caster/camber plates
Lakewood struts w/ coilovers
Out back is an 8.8 out of a fox mustang(shorter by ~1.5")
Moser replacement axles and c clip eliminators
strange 390 gears
CHE adjustable uppers and adjustable spring height lowers
AOD w/manual valve body, transbrake, and 3500 stall converter
Derale transcooler
AJE tubular K member
94-04 AJE a arms
Steeda bumpsteer kit
Caster/camber plates
Lakewood struts w/ coilovers
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Driverguy on October 09, 2013, 03:51:15 AM
Post by: Driverguy on October 09, 2013, 03:51:15 AM
I have to ask, what are the specs on the tires and rims? I've lost sleep over the last few years, because the rear wheel wells are bigger than the fronts, and I don't like having taller tires to compensate, but yours look very well balanced! Id have to guess 295/50 15 in the rear, 225/60 15 in the front?
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: flipnbird on October 09, 2013, 05:43:18 AM
Post by: flipnbird on October 09, 2013, 05:43:18 AM
Welcome aboard..........need some engine pics and info. You know how we are!!
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 09, 2013, 03:41:52 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 09, 2013, 03:41:52 PM
Looks great. I really like the color :).
What heads/intake/cam are you running?
What heads/intake/cam are you running?
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 11, 2013, 01:31:00 PM
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 11, 2013, 01:31:00 PM
Well, I was trying to save the best for last, but here it is:
Scat Rotating assembly
Forged pistons
Custom grind cam
Victor Jr. heads and intake
Holley 800 dp
Spectre air cleaner
MSD Ignition, Coil, Distributor
BBK chrome shorties
A/C and components removed
"Cold air" Intake
Scat Rotating assembly
Forged pistons
Custom grind cam
Victor Jr. heads and intake
Holley 800 dp
Spectre air cleaner
MSD Ignition, Coil, Distributor
BBK chrome shorties
A/C and components removed
"Cold air" Intake
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: teal9550 on October 11, 2013, 02:44:13 PM
Post by: teal9550 on October 11, 2013, 02:44:13 PM
so here is the big question have you had her to the track and how does she run? looks awesome by the way.
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on October 12, 2013, 01:46:22 AM
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on October 12, 2013, 01:46:22 AM
Welcome to the site, great looking Bird!
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: 50tbrd88 on October 12, 2013, 10:25:34 AM
Post by: 50tbrd88 on October 12, 2013, 10:25:34 AM
Wow...sweet car! I like the TC nose combined with the cowl and your engine compartment is simply :roxor:. Any HP estimate on that small block? My next major project is an engine build in a couple years and I'm torn between sticking w/EFI or going carb. I think looks-wise you can't beat a carb'd engine...so much cleaner looking under the hood.
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 12, 2013, 02:18:31 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 12, 2013, 02:18:31 PM
Quote from: Last Thunderfox;423220
Well, I was trying to save the best for last, but here it is:
Scat Rotating assembly
Forged pistons
Custom grind cam
Victor Jr. heads and intake
Holley 800 dp
Spectre air cleaner
MSD Ignition, Coil, Distributor
BBK chrome shorties
A/C and components removed
"Cold air" Intake
Nice :).
That's a 351W isn't it?
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 12, 2013, 02:20:47 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 12, 2013, 02:20:47 PM
Quote from: 50tbrd88;423246
Wow...sweet car! I like the TC nose combined with the cowl and your engine compartment is simply :roxor:. Any HP estimate on that small block? My next major project is an engine build in a couple years and I'm torn between sticking w/EFI or going carb. I think looks-wise you can't beat a carb'd engine...so much cleaner looking under the hood.
If I were you I'd stick with EFI. It'll have more torque that a carb setup (assuming you stay in the 302-347ci range). Plus you already have all the wiring and plumbing set up for a V8.
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Thunderbird88 on October 13, 2013, 03:22:48 AM
Post by: Thunderbird88 on October 13, 2013, 03:22:48 AM
Wow! Such a great looking car! And that is one purdy engine bay! Love your car! More pictures please ;)
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 14, 2013, 01:22:22 AM
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 14, 2013, 01:22:22 AM
Quote from: Driverguy;423158
I have to ask, what are the specs on the tires and rims? I've lost sleep over the last few years, because the rear wheel wells are bigger than the fronts, and I don't like having taller tires to compensate, but yours look very well balanced! Id have to guess 295/50 15 in the rear, 225/60 15 in the front?
My tire sizes wont help you much. I bought my wheels when i was 16 and I didnt do as good a job as I could have. Also, I currently have a Fox mustang rear in the back, which brings the tires inboard ~3/4" on each side. My wheels still have an inch or so free to go inboard in the rear, and the fronts are narrow and have the look of skinnies. I wouldnt recommend corner carving on my setup. The rear tires did just barely scuff on the lip edge before the rear end swap, but i also haven't rolled them over either. I dont have the measurements for the wheels atm, but tire sizes:
19565R15 in front
25560R15 out back
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 14, 2013, 01:51:12 AM
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 14, 2013, 01:51:12 AM
Quote from: 50tbrd88;423246
Wow...sweet car! I like the TC nose combined with the cowl and your engine compartment is simply :roxor:. Any HP estimate on that small block? My next major project is an engine build in a couple years and I'm torn between sticking w/EFI or going carb. I think looks-wise you can't beat a carb'd engine...so much cleaner looking under the hood.
Quote from: thunderjet302;423265
If I were you I'd stick with EFI. It'll have more torque that a carb setup (assuming you stay in the 302-347ci range). Plus you already have all the wiring and plumbing set up for a V8.
I fully agree with thunderjet if you are keeping your car mostly street driven. EFI is great for fuel economy, reliability, and a more even torque curve. If your car is already setup up for that, and it may be the easiest way to go. And there are plenty of guys that make ridiculous power with EFI. And frankly, thats how most, if not all racing will be in the future.
On the other hand, the reason i went with a carb setup because of ease of tuning, clean looks, and overall uniqueness. I love working on my car and adjusting everything myself. I have nothing against EFI, but I am using this car to help me better understand how to tune a car. I dont mind computer tuning, but there is something special about getting lots of power with nothing more than some basic hand tools and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
So weigh your options carefully, decide how you would like your car to be. Look at how much tuning you will be doing to the car, and which way works best for your situation. Would you mind taking the carb apart everytime you want to make a change? or would you rather plug a computer into your car? It comes down to preference and application.
Just my two cents. :)
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: 50tbrd88 on October 14, 2013, 11:21:17 AM
Post by: 50tbrd88 on October 14, 2013, 11:21:17 AM
I agree...the reasons I have thought about going carb are ones you've touched on: 1.) I want to learn more about tuning 2.) looks 3.) cost
That being said I will probably just stay EFI when the time comes.
That being said I will probably just stay EFI when the time comes.
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: GDawg148 on October 14, 2013, 11:46:55 AM
Post by: GDawg148 on October 14, 2013, 11:46:55 AM
I love this car! I really want to go with a Cowl hood on mine. Your car looks great. By the way, my 1988 Ford Thunderbird is my first car too.
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 16, 2013, 02:03:33 PM
Post by: Last Thunderfox on October 16, 2013, 02:03:33 PM
Quote from: Thunderbird88;423303
Wow! Such a great looking car! And that is one purdy engine bay! Love your car! More pictures please ;)
No, I will not give in to peer pressure. :p
The car is Twighlight Blue for those that are curious. It has recently been repainted with:
The nose switched to turbo coupe
The hood is a functional 3" US Body full frame cowl hood
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: STANG8U on October 16, 2013, 02:21:53 PM
Post by: STANG8U on October 16, 2013, 02:21:53 PM
Lol nice model
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on October 17, 2013, 12:06:20 AM
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on October 17, 2013, 12:06:20 AM
Cool! that's the same hood I have.
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: 1987tbird5.0 on November 06, 2013, 11:34:40 PM
Post by: 1987tbird5.0 on November 06, 2013, 11:34:40 PM
Very nice looking car! Cool little version too. :)
Title: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird
Post by: GDawg148 on November 25, 2013, 12:25:26 PM
Post by: GDawg148 on November 25, 2013, 12:25:26 PM
Love this look! I am planning on getting this hood soon.
Did the pins come with the car or do I need to purchase some? Where did you get your pins?
Did the pins come with the car or do I need to purchase some? Where did you get your pins?